The Sharks are reportedly close to re-signing Blayke Brailey on a long-term deal to keep the local junior at the club despite rumours Cameron McInnes’ arrival could see him squeezed out.
Brailey came up through the junior grades with the Sharks before debuting in 2019. The club showed tremendous belief in his ability when they let his older brother and their starting hooker, Jayden, leave in order to give Brailey the No.9 jersey.
Cronulla are determined not to lose Brailey with
News Corpreporting a three-year extension has been tabled to the 23-year-old, who comes off contract at the end of 2022.
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The extension gives a clear indication that Brailey as a key part of new coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s plans despite the arrival of ex-Dragons skipper McInnes and Queensland Cup Player of the Year Jayden Berrell.
Former coach John Morris signed McInnes with the plan to play him at lock, but when Fitzgibbon signed Dale Finucane many assumed McInnes would move to dummy half, leaving big question marks over Brailey’s future.
But with Brailey set to sign a new deal, it’s clear he is very much part of the future.
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It’s a big win for the Sharks given the shortage of classy dummy-halves in the competition and how much movement is expected in that position for 2023.
Brandon Smith, Reed Mahoney, Api Koroisau and Josh Hodgson all come off contract at the end of 2022 and are testing their value on the market.
Four clubs are chasing Smith, not including the Storm, while the Bulldogs are in the market for a No.9 and have tried to woo Mahoney. Meanwhile, both Hodgson and Koroisau have been linked to the Tigers.
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With so much demand for experienced hookers and little to go around, some clubs will miss out. But the Sharks, who are blessed with three options next season, now look to be settled for the future as well.
Brailey has proven his worth to the Sharks over the last couple of seasons, playing in 20 and 24 games respectively. His new deal is a well-deserved reward.